Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Taste and see the Lord is good
1 Samuel 7:5-17
Samuel P. Abraham
Epiphany MTC, NY
13 So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14 The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. 
              The Philistines were Israel’s major enemy.  The Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines.  As the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines. The elders then decided to bring the ark of the LORD so that it may save the Israelites from the hand of their enemies.  The men of Israel brought the ark of the LORD and when the ark of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel raised such a shout that the ground shook.  When the Philistines heard the uproar and learned that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp, they were afraid.  So the Philistines fought with all vigor and the Israelites were defeated.  The Israelites lost thirty thousand food soldiers, the ark of the LORD was captured by the Philistines,  and Eli’s two sons Hophni and Phinehas, died. When Eli knew all these sad and shocking news, he fell backward off his chair, his neck was broken and he died.
                    When the ark of the LORD was in Philistine territory for seven months, the LORD’s hand was heavy upon the Philistines. The LORD brought devastation upon the Philistines and afflicted them with tumors. The Philistines then called for the priests and diviners and according to their advice, the Philistines sent back the ark of the LORD to the Israelites.
                 Chapter 7 of the Book of 1 Samuel begins with the dealing of the ark of the LORD by the Israelites.  According to Samuel’s advice, all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD. They removed the idols from among them and served the LORD only.   When the Israelites cried before the Lord, confessed their sins and turned back to the Him, the LORD thundered with a mighty sound and threw the Philistines into confusion, and they were routed before Israel.  The Israelites pursued the Philistines and struck them.  Thereafter, the Philistines did not enter the territory of Israel.

PRAYER

LORD, we thank You for rescuing Your people from generation to generation and sustaining Your creation.  We know that You are a kind and merciful LORD.  We confess our sins and look for Your Grace and Mercy.    In the midst of our troubles, we take refuge in You.  Enable us to taste and see Your goodness.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When we confess our sins, call upon the LORD and turn to Him, the LORD will rescue us and enable us to understand and taste His goodness. 

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